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Posts Tagged ‘Features’

GoPro releases GoPro Labs, a beta update that adds experimental features to your HERO8 Black

06 Jun

GoPro has announced the release of GoPro Labs, a new program that allows GoPro HERO8 Black owners to sign up as beta testers to test out experimental features that haven’t yet made their way into final products. In GoPro’s own words, ‘Think of GoPro Labs as an insider look at innovative features our top engineers are playing with.’

The first release of GoPro Labs includes a pair of features that were first developed via internal [hackathons](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hackathons: ReelSteady GO optimization and QR Codes for camera control.

Earlier this year, GoPro acquired ReelSteady, a team of FPV drone operators and visual effects experts that have developed some of the most advanced stabilization and image correction software out there for GoPro cameras. Nothing has come from the acquisition as of this time, but the ReelSteady GO optimization in the GoPro Labs firmware update will allow GoPro HERO8 Black owners to optimize the in-camera rolling shutter correction to better work with ReelSteady’s post-production software.

Below is an example video from ReelSteady showing their image stabilization technology at work:

The QR Codes for camera control in the GoPro Labs firmware update is exactly what it sounds like. By creating custom QR codes with embedded commands, GoPro HERO8 Black owners can add new functions to their action cam without the need for Wi-Fi connectivity. Below are a few examples of features you can tweak via QR code:

  • Wake-up timer for remote start capture
  • Save favorite modes as a visual preset/QR code Motion detection start/stop — only capture video when something is happening
  • Speed detection start/stop — use GPS to determine your speed and automatically start capture at a defined speed
  • Camera scripting — e.g. shoot a time-lapse of a construction site but only during daylight hours (and many other detailed camera controls)
  • Personalize your GoPro with owner information Larger chapters for fewer files when taking long video captures — e.g. 4GB chapters will increase to 12GB.

GoPro has created and shared ten pre-built command QR codes with variables, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also create your own using GoPro’s list of action commands and settings commands. Additional support can be found on the GoPro Labs community within the GoPro forums.

To show off what’s capable with the new functionality, GoPro showed how the QR code camera control feature was used by GoPro Technical Fellow (and creator of the QR code feature), David Newman, worked alongside Northrup Grumman Corp. to capture the launch of a resupply mission to the International Space Station. Since the GoPro’s had to be set 72 hours in advance and not touched, he teamed up with his daughter to trigger each camera with a QR code before securing them to the launch pad. As the below video attests to, the results worked perfectly, despite none of the action cams having external power or displays.

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GoPro rocks. Raw video. Raw audio. Straight from the camera. Just some simple cuts. That’s a wrap! #gopro #antares #northropgrumman #iss #rocket #nofilter #okaymaybetherewasaNDfilter

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GoPro says these features could one day be unveiled alongside a new camera, but also notes there’s a chance ‘these features may never make it to a camera release.’

If you happen to have a GoPro HERO8 Black on hand, you can read through the installation instructions and download the GoPro Labs firmware update on GoPro’s website. Below is a great rundown of the new features from YouTuber DC Rainmaker:

If you end up creating anything interesting with the GoPro Labs firmware, let us know in the comments below or contact us via our feedback form!

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Samsung’s new ISOCELL GN1 sensor features Tetracell tech, phase detection on all active pixels

20 May

Samsung Electronics has launched a new image sensor that is designed for use in the primary camera of high-end smartphones. Like other sensors from the the ISOCELL family, the ISOCELL GN1 comes with the company’s pixel isolation technology that creates a barrier around each pixel in order to reduce color cross-talk.

At 50MP the sensor´s native resolution is fairly moderate when compared to the 108MP juggernaut used in Samsung’s latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S20 Ultra, but has other tricks up its sleeve: it’s Samsung’s first image sensor to combine Dual-Pixel autofocus with the company’s Tetracell technology, allowing for increased light sensitivity in low light as well as precise and fast autofocus performance in all light conditions.

The GN1 comes with 100 million phase detection autofocus (PDAF) sites, meaning all of the sensor’s active pixels double as focus pixels, allowing for fast focusing in all light conditions and at all angles. Dual Pixel technology places two photodiodes side-by-side within a single pixel. When an image is captured the outputs from the two photodiodes are merged into a single pixel. Samsung also offers a software feature that can analyze light information from both photodiodes to compute image output that is comparable to a 100MP file.

Tetracell uses pixel-merging methods to increase light sensitivity in low light conditions. Four adjacent pixels are merged into one doubling the effective pixel size from 1.2?m to 2.4?m and quadrupling the light sensitivity at a 12.5MP output size. In bright light the sensor can operate as a standard Bayer sensor and capture full-sized 50MP images.

In addition the GN1 sensor offers a Smart-ISO function that ‘intelligently sets the optimal ISO value, and a real-time HDR mode. Electronic image stabilization uses data from the device’s built-in gyro to avoid shaky video and blurry images and video shooters can make use of an 8K video mode that can record at 30 frames per second.

Overall the GN1 looks like a very versatile image sensor that can adapt to a multitude of shooting situations. In bright light the 50MP resolution should allow for excellent detail. In dimmer conditions the Tetracell tech can deliver images with low noise and a wide dynamic range. At the same time the all-sensor Dual-Pixel autofocus system is making sure subjects are in focus, even in difficult scenes.

Samsung says mass production of the ISOCELL GN1 sensor has started this month. We’ll find out how it performs in real-life conditions once the first GN1-equipped devices make an appearance in the marketplace.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Apple’s new 13-inch MacBook Pro features faster CPU options, latest Intel Iris Graphics configurations and updated keyboard

04 May

Apple has announced its new 13-inch MacBook Pro, bringing modest performances improvements and one physical improvement that should make keyboard warriors around the world much happier.

We’ll get to the specs in a minute, but first the most important update—the keyboard. Apple has eschewed its troubled ‘butterfly’ keyboard for its Magic Keyboard with this new 13-inch MacBook Pro. For nearly five years, Apple’s ‘butterfly mechanism’ keyboard has caused issues for MacBook owners, with individual keys sometimes becoming entirely non-functioning, causing all sorts of issues while typing. This transition means the ‘butterfly’ keyboard is no longer present in any of Apple’s laptops.

The physical ‘esc’ key is a welcomed change also.

In addition to the changes underneath the keys, Apple has also added a physical ‘Escape’ (esc) key to the left of the Touch Bar. On previous models, the ‘esc’ key was digital, located within the Touch Bar, a design decision that could wreak havoc if the Touch Bar glitched out or broke.

The updated 13-inch model is powered by Intel quad-core chips, with optional upgrades to configure the MacBook Pro with Intel’s 10th-gen CPUs that offer up to 2.3GHz per core and TurboBoost speeds up to 4.1GHz. Apple has also added the option to configure the 13-inch MacBook Pro with up to 32GB of 3733MHz LPDDR4X RAM and has doubled the base model storage to 256GB (with optional upgrades to increase it to 4TB).

If you upgrade to the $ 1,799 model, you’ll also get the latest Intel Iris Plus Graphics, which Apple claims will offer an 80% performance increase over the previous-generation dual-core MacBook Pros. In addition to improving overall graphic performance, models with Intel’s Iris Plus graphics will be able to power Apple’s Pro Display XDR at its full 6K resolution.

As for the laptop’s own display, the 13-inch screen supports P3 wide color gamut, offers a maximum 500 nits brightness and includes Apple’s ‘True Tone’ technology that automatically adjusts the screen’s white balance based on the ambient environment.

The base model starts at $ 1,299 and includes a 1.4GHz quad-core 9th-gen Intel Core i5 CPU, 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. However, if you’re planning on using this for editing photos or video though, we’d suggest you jump up to the $ 1,799 base model, which offers Intel’s 10-gen CPUs with the newer Intel Iris Plus graphics and 16GB of RAM. Further upgrades can be configured for additional costs, as usual.

You can find out more information about the latest 13-inch MacBook Pro models and browse through the different configurations on Apple’s website.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fotodiox’s new EF to L-mount adapter features AF, aperture and image stabilization support

07 Apr

Fotodiox has announced the release of its new Canon EF to L-Mount Pro Fusion adapter, which offers complete electronic control and communication between the lens and the camera it’s attached to.

The adapter works with both EF and EF-S lenses and converts them to L-Mount mirrorless cameras. It features an all-metal design with chrome-plated brass mounts and features a built-in Micro USB for updating the firmware of the adapter.

Fotodiox uses its ‘Fusion’ technology to add complete electronic communication and control between the lens and camera body, including autofocus, aperture control and image stabilization. EXIF and aperture data is also transmitted between the lens and camera. In the event you’re using a manual lens, the ‘Fn’ button on the adapter can be pressed to turn off all electronic communication between the lens and camera body.

Fotodiox notes continuous AF and video AF aren’t currently supported due to ‘unsatisfactory’ performance, but other autofocus modes should work with minimal issues. It’s also pointed out that some third party lenses, such as those from Sigma and Tamron might struggle with autofocus a bit more than first-party lenses.

The adapter is backed by a two-year manufacturer warranty, comes packed inside a padded bamboo box and is currently available to purchase for $ 179.95 (B&H).

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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The Sigma fp will get new features, functionality in major 2.0 firmware update due out ‘Summer 2020’

03 Mar

Sigma has announced it will be publishing a major firmware update for the Sigma fp in ‘Summer 2020’ that will bring along a number of new features and functionality.

According to the announcement, the update will add CinemaDNG 120/100 fps (FHD 8-bit) shooting, cinemagraph functionality, still capture during live view and movie shooting in Cine mode, HDR shooting, a Director’s Viewfinder recording function and Sigma’s software development kit (SDK), which should open up a realm of possibilities for developers to access certain functions of the camera.

In the meantime, Sigma says it’s also developing firmware version 1.02 (the latest firmware currently available for the Sigma fp is version 1.01), which will correct card errors when using specific SD cards and adds in-camera lens aberration correction processing. Firmware version 1.02 will be released on March 18, 2020, according to Sigma.

The current version 1.01 firmware and future firmware releases can be downloaded from the Sigma fp support page.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Fujifilm’s new Instax Mini 11 features an ‘Automatic Exposure’ mode and dedicated ‘Selfie Mode’

27 Feb

Although not nearly as exciting as its new X-T4 camera, Fujifilm has also announced the Instax Mini 11, its latest-generation instant film camera.

The Instax Mini 11 looks very similar to its predecessor, the Mini 9 (don’t ask where 10 went), but it’s received a subtle facelift. Specifically, the camera is more rounded than before and uses a material around the lens that’s different from the material used in the rest of the camera body. The shutter button and the button used to extend the lens now have dimples as well, presumably to make it easier to locate the buttons by feel when shooting.

Aside from the slight design change, Fujifilm has also added an Automatic Exposure mode that adjusts the shutter speed and flash output based on the ambient lighting environment. Previously, the only option was to choose from a selection of presets that were changed by twisting a ring around the lens.

Fujifilm has also added a new Selfie Mode that, according to Fujifilm, ‘makes it super easy to take selfies and close-up pictures.’ A small convex mirror on the front of the camera makes composing selfies a bit easier as well (this has been on previous-generation Instax Mini cameras).

The Mini 11 also comes in different color options: Blush Pink, Sky Blue, Charcoal Gray, Ice White and Lilac Purple. The Instax Mini 11 is set to ship in mid-March with an MSRP of $ 69.95. In addition to the new camera, Fujifilm has also unveiled two new Instax film varieties: Instax Mini Blue Marble film and Instax Square White Marble film.

{pressrelease}

Fujifilm Unveils Its next Generation Instant Camera: The New Instax Mini 11 Is Here!

Valhalla, N.Y., February 25, 2020 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of INSTAX® Mini 11 (Mini 11), the latest innovation in its long line of popular INSTAX instant cameras and Smartphone printers.

The INSTAX® Mini 11 has been designed for optimal portability along with a fresh, trendy look. Available in five new colors, the Mini 11 boasts the following new features and benefits:

Automatic Exposure function for better pictures day or night

The “Automatic Exposure” function automatically senses the level of ambient light when the shutter button is pressed, and optimizes the shutter speed and flash output according to the condition. It allows even novice INSTAX® users to take photos that are automatically properly exposed regardless of conditions, producing high-quality instant photo prints on the spot.

Selfie Mode for quick and easy selfies

Users can activate the Selfie Mode, perfect for taking selfies and close-up shots, by simply pulling out the front end edge of the lens after powering the camera on. This makes it super easy to take selfies and close-up pictures.

Custom, interchangeable shutter buttons for style and personalization

The Mini 11 comes with two replaceable and stylish shutter button stickers; a fun and easy way to change the button’s look and to personalize the camera.

Updated design with attention to detail

Mini 11’s rounder, softer, modern look is a direct homage to its Mini 9 predecessor. Contrasting design elements on the Mini 11 are achieved by using a different material around the lens from the rest of the camera body. The Mini 11 is available in five pastel, pale-tone colors – Blush Pink, Sky Blue, Charcoal Gray, Ice White, and Lilac Purple.

Also accompanying the launch of this exciting new instant camera are two new INSTAX instant film varieties; INSTAX® Mini Blue Marble film and INSTAX® Square White Marble film. Both have marble-patterned print frames transforming everyday photos into unique, fun keepsakes.

Fujifilm’s INSTAX® Mini 11 instant camera will be available at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $ 69.95 USD ($ 89.99 CDN) and is expected to be available for purchase mid-March, 2020.

{/pressrelease}

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony reportedly cuts planned mirrorless camera features in response to DRAM shortage

21 Feb

Update: This story originally stated that Bloomberg’s sources alleged that PS5 production was given preference over mirrorless features that would require scarce components. Bloomberg’s story only points out that both mirrorless cameras and Playstation divisions are suffering due to the scarcity of DRAM and NAND; our story has been updated to reflect this.

Sources recently speaking to Bloomberg allege that Sony has nixed some features it had planned for an unnamed future mirrorless camera model due to the scarcity of certain hardware, namely DRAM and NAND flash memory.

The current demand for NAND and DRAM is high among smartphone manufacturers, according to Bloomberg, which reports that Sony is struggling to keep down the cost of its upcoming PS5 console. The article makes reference to high DRAM prices having an impact on other parts of the company, with cameras in particular being called out.

According to the article: ‘Sony has already canceled some previously planned features for a new mirrorless camera due this year owing to the constrained DRAM supply, several people with knowledge of the matter said.’

The report doesn’t specify which camera model will suffer as a result of this alleged decision nor which features were eliminated, though it does claim that Sony plans to release the camera this year.

The wording is interesting, in that it suggests the camera will still be delivered, shorn of the capabilities that fast DRAM memory would have provided. It could be that Sony planned to expand the use of stacked DRAM image sensors beyond the a9 and newer RX100 models, but will instead proceed with a more conventional CMOS sensor.

Given the current state of Sony’s lineup, the a7 III replacement seems a likely candidate. Or maybe the technology was meant to underpin the long hoped for NEX-7 high-end APS-C successor or an update to the a7S series.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Sony reportedly cuts planned mirrorless camera features to free up hardware for PS5

20 Feb

Sources recently speaking to Bloomberg allege that Sony has nixed some features it had planned for an unnamed future mirrorless camera model due to the scarcity of certain hardware, namely DRAM and NAND flash memory. The decision was reportedly made in order to reserve the limited hardware for the upcoming fifth-generation PlayStation console, which is expected to launch this holiday season.

The current demand for NAND and DRAM is high among smartphone manufacturers, according to Bloomberg, which reports that Sony is struggling to keep down the cost of its upcoming PS5 console. Assuming sources are correct, the PS5 will cost around $ 450 to manufacture, meaning that even with thin margins, consumers could be facing a unit price of $ 470 or more for the next-gen gaming console.

The sources claim that the coronavirus outbreak hasn’t had any sort of impact on the PS5 at this time, but that limited DRAM availability prompted the company to cancel some mirrorless camera features it had planned. Sony will reportedly prioritize the DRAM for its PS5 console, the final price of which hasn’t been revealed.

The report doesn’t specify which camera model will suffer as a result of this alleged decision nor which features were eliminated, though it does claim that Sony plans to release the camera this year. Assuming the claim is true, Sony may have decided to remove a planned stacked DRAM image sensor from an upcoming model, but the company has not commented on the report, leaving little more than speculation at this time.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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This DIY ‘digiObscura’ digital camera features a massive 1-kilopixel image sensor

31 Dec

Creator Sean Hodgins has published a new video detailing his creation of ‘digiObscura,’ a large boxy digital camera that features his own 1-kilopixel image sensor. The camera’s creation involved 3D printing the camera body and soldering phototransistors on a custom printed circuit board alongside a pair of 32-bit analog multiplexers.

As you might expect, the 1KP images captured by digiObscura are very blocky and pixelated due to the camera’s very low resolution, but it’s an incredible look at what’s possible with enough time, patience and knowledge.

In addition to the video above, the project is detailed on Instructables, where tools and components are listed. More detailed information, as well as firmware and other files, are available on the project’s Github. Files for the 3D-printed components are available on Thingiverse.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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Darktable 3.0 released with new features, bug fixes and major GUI update

27 Dec

Darktable 3.0, the latest version of the open source photo editing software DRP reported on early last month, has officially been released. As revealed when the first release candidate was made available for public testing, Darktable 3.0 brings a number of large changes and improvements to the software, including a reworked GUI that makes it possible to apply full themes to the software.

‘Darktable’ will be the default theme in Darktable 3.0, but users will also be able to use alternatives like the ‘Darktable Elegant Dark,’ a lighter version of the theme, and ‘Darktable Elegant Darker,’ which has more condensed fonts best used with the Roboto font, according to the developers.

GUI changes aside, Darktable 3.0 adds a number of improvements and new features, including ‘many changes’ to the ‘denoise (profiled)’ module, a rewrite of the previous Picasa export module that switches it over to Google Photos, the addition of new ‘RGB Curve’ and ‘RGB Levels’ modules, a new ‘Basic Adjustments’ module, new color pickers for modules like ‘Watermark’ and ‘Split Toning,’ what the developers refer to as ‘many code optimizations’ for SSE and CPU paths and much more.

In addition to the new features and improvements, Darktable 3.0 includes several bug fixes and support for additional camera models, noise profiles and white balance presets. As expected, the latest version of the software is free to download on Windows, macOS and Linux.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
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